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City public-health director to robocall 45,000 residents today to urge them to get a flu shot

The city plans to ring the phones - more than half belonging to senior citizens - following yesterday's declaration of a public-health emergency. A transcript:

Hi. This is Dr. Anita Barry calling from the Boston Public Health Commission. Yesterday, Mayor Menino declared a public health emergency because of the high number of influenza cases in the City of Boston.

Residents who have not already been vaccinated against influenza this year are urged to get vaccinated by calling their doctor, or visiting a nearby community health center during a free vaccination clinic.

The elderly, young children, and people with other health problems can get very sick with influenza, so itâ€™s particularly important for these groups to be vaccinated. You can also help to avoid getting sick by washing your hands thoroughly, not touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

If you develop illness with a fever, be sure to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and please, stay at home. Contact your doctor for additional guidance, especially if you are in one of the high risk groups.